The objective of the project was to determine the effects of level of
fat with or without manganese supplementation of diets on protein stat
us of humans. Fourteen healthy adult humans participated in a 61 day s
tudy in which they were fed a low fat diet similar to the HANES I surv
ey or a moderate fat diet similar to the U.S. Dietary Goal recommendat
ion with or without manganese supplementation. Mean fecal nitrogen exc
retions were significantly lower while subjects received moderate fat
diets (p<0.0001). There were no significant differences in urinary nit
rogen losses while subjects received the low or moderate fat diet. Nit
rogen balances were more positive when low fat diets then moderate fat
diets were fed (p<0.004). Manganese supplementation did not show any
statistical significance on nitrogen excretions or on nitrogen balance
s. Thus, it would appear that lower fat diets may have a positive effe
ct on the protein status of humans.